Welcome to the first part of our "Series of Swollen Scrotums"! Today, we’re talking about hydroceles – a condition that causes painless scrotal swelling due to fluid buildup around the testicle. Hydroceles are most common in newborns, but they can also affect adult men, usually due to injury, inflammation, or infection.
What’s a Hydrocele?
Imagine a small fluid-filled balloon surrounding your testicle. That’s essentially what a hydrocele is! Although it might look alarming, hydroceles are usually painless and harmless. They often go away on their own in infants, but in adults, they can be a sign of other underlying issues, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Hydroceles don’t typically require treatment unless they grow large or cause discomfort. But if you experience any pain, sudden swelling, or changes in the size of one testicle, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. Sometimes, hydroceles are associated with infections or injuries, so a quick evaluation can give peace of mind.
How Are Hydroceles Treated?
For mild cases, doctors may just monitor the hydrocele. In cases where it’s large or causing discomfort, a procedure called hydrocele aspiration or hydrocelectomy can be done to drain the fluid and repair the sac. It’s a simple outpatient procedure with a high success rate!
Stay tuned as we explore more causes of scrotal swelling in our upcoming posts!
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